Minneapolis MN Drug Addiction; Issues That Increase The Vulnerability Of The Youth

By Nancy Patterson


According to recent research, nearly 50% of new drug users are teens. Even though most of them do not end up addicted, merely trying out the drugs increases their chances of ending up in treatment programs. As a parent, you have a responsibility of knowing the risk factors that could get your loved one chained to drug dependency. A dependable Minneapolis MN drug addiction therapist can offer you priceless help if your kid is a substance abuse patient.

Kids feel the need to fit in and this is one of the key reasons why they turn to drugs. It is also a fact that they can get curious and want to know what they would feel when high on certain drugs. Below are other situations that increase the risk of young adults trying drugs and ultimately becoming addicts.

Community poverty affects the youth in more ways than one. Young people living in poverty stricken areas are three times more vulnerable to using drugs that those within fortunate neighborhoods. Lack of money increases substance abuse because it is also closely allied with unstable family relationships, unemployment and an increased vulnerability to both physical and mental health problems.

Some teens will use drugs because they lack adult supervision. This makes the feel grown enough to drink alcohol or use prescribed pills that they find around the house. Once they are comfortable with what they do, they will even exchange drugs with other kids within the neighborhood. To prevent this from happening, seek help with monitoring your kids when you are busy or away from home.

Mental health issues also double the risk of a young adult turning into a drug addict. Teens who suffer from depression and anxiety may use drugs like marijuana, opiates or alcohol to cope with their feelings. These drugs give them temporary relief and their chances of becoming dependent on them are higher. If a problem is not caught early, they may eventually end up in psychiatric hospitals of addiction treatment programs.

A lot of physical and emotional changes take place once one turns into a teenager. During this phase of life, it is common for kids to experience some amount of peer pressure. Although not all of them get attracted to controlled substances, there are those that will not resist the urge. Kids from dysfunctional families or those with mental issues are more likely to get affected by peer pressure.

There are avenues where the youth can get educated about the dangers of using drugs. Substance abuse education also involves enhancing their self-image and helping them to understand that they do not need to be high to get their goals achieved. Empowered teens are usually at lesser risk of using drugs because of peer pressure.

Research shows that drugs are highly available in both private and public learning institutions. For you to ascertain that your loved one will not risk becoming an addict, choose schools that have a strong anti-drug policy. You may even consider those that offer a mandatory drug abuse education course.




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